BlueStacks 2.0 for Windows Launched, Lets You Run Multiple Android Apps Simultaneously

Popular Android emulator for Windows and OS X, BlueStacks, has just gotten better. The company has announced the availability of version 2 of the application. Among the biggest highlights, BlueStacks 2 offers the ability to run multiple apps simultaneously.

The company said the new Android emulator will finally be able to run more than one app at once. Multitasking (with multi-windows) has been a long requested feature from users on the platform. The company claims its App Player now manages to offer closer to native mobile Android experience. Do note that BlueStacks 2.0 is currently only available for Windows.

The new version allows several interesting changes to the App Player. The company is making it easier for users to set location, shake the screen, manage volume, and other aspects. There's a new toolbar at the left of the app, as seen in the above picture, which facilitates these actions. BlueStacks 2, in addition, has also added several new features to enhance gameplay and app discovery. This includes the new browser-like interface, which allows users to open ads in new windows without interrupting their flow in the current app. The company reports that many users are running messaging apps and gaming apps simultaneously.

BlueStacks adds it has optimised its player to work better with some apps. These apps include Angry Birds, Chrome, Temple Run, and Snapchat.

"When we started, mobile apps, with their crisp resolution looked and sounded gorgeous on PC and TV," said BlueStacks Product Manager, Shashi Kant Sharma. "What we've learned is that the wider visual space lends itself more naturally to app discovery. It's accelerated our growth and retention massively over the past year."

"The average Bluestacks user spends 89 minutes playing on their first day. In addition, once someone discovers apps on PC or TV they tend to use them across all of their devices, giving the BlueStacks platform powerful reach for developers."

Users interested in BlueStacks might also find YouWave, and GenyMotion interesting. Though, neither of them offer native Windows Graphics support. You might also find Vysor, an app that lets you mirror Android screen to your computer interesting.

Founded in 2011, the app has been downloaded more than 109 million times. The company says that it is seeing more than 200,000 new users every day. It engages with a billion apps per month, the company claims.